Help! application process

[redcup]

Hello everyone.
I don't know if I'm asking a stupid or trivial question but I want to know what type of resume format others have used when applying to English conversation schools. (I am personally interested in AEON)

Basically I have been out of college and working for two years with a real estate company. I also have a bachelors in psychology. Typically people use the traditional format (chronological order- job history)
I've read about functional resumes ( telling personal qualifications without job chronology) and I think this format may be the best seeing as how psychology, real estate, and teaching are hardly related..except for the use of English and communication.
I just want to make the best possible first impression. Any advice from anyone would be much appreciated.

 

[acquiredtarget]

$.02
I don't think the format really matters to much with an outfit like AEON. I applied to AEON with the standard chronological format and the required essay. Where the big impression will come from will be your teaching demonstrations. As I mentioned, I use the chronological format and working in a bookstore and then IT are a hardly related also so I don't think that it'll matter to much. BUt that's just my two cents worth.

 

[gaijingirl1]

Hello Redcup,

Most employers are familiar with and prefer the chronological format in CVs. It's easier for them to peruse it. Resumes are more scanned than read.

When applying to Japan, it's important to remember that some employers may not be completely fluent in English themselves. It'd be prudent to give them the easiest, best-known format to follow.

Many people applying for jobs in conversation schools for the first time are new grads or out only a few years. Don't worry about your jobs, just list them along with your education. Any kind of connection to teaching -- private tutoring, volunteering with children or adults -- certainly helps if you have no formal experience.

Your real estate experience involves a lot of public contact, right? You're already used to working with people and that's important. It might help to include a small section on top listing your skills and people-related accomplishments.

But again, keep it simple. Remember, many reading it will not be native English speakers themselves. Also important -- some schools in Japan will accept American-style resumes (my first one did); others insist on the international CV format which includes personal info such as date of birth, marital status, nationality and a photo. This is typical around the world.

Best of luck!